On Tampering Claims with Electronic Voting Machines: Debunking Misconceptions

The recent debate surrounding the tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India has been intensifying, with various political parties making claims and counter-claims. While these claims generate a lot of media and public attention, many of them lack factual support and are often rooted in political motivations. This article aims to address common misconceptions about EVM tampering, focusing on pertinent arguments and evidence that highlight the robust security measures in place.

The Allegations of EVM Tampering

Opposition parties in India frequently point to EVMs as a potential source of skewed results. However, a closer examination of historical data and current practices reveals that these claims often stem from political expediency rather than credible evidence. The opposition, for instance, is inconsistent in their criticism of EVMs. They rarely, if ever, raise concerns during elections where their party wins, which raises questions about the validity of their current claims.

Recent examples of this behavior include the 2019 elections where opposition parties, including Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Trinamool Congress, did not voice any skepticism about the EVMs. Despite these parties experiencing losses, there is a sudden chorus of concerns when results did not favor them.

The Technical Impossibility of Mass Scale Tampering

One of the most common claims made about EVMs is that they can be tampered with or hacked on a large scale. However, technical experts and security analysts have debunked these allegations. It is nearly impossible to hack all EVMs simultaneously due to the large number of machines and polling stations involved. There are over 10 lakh EVMs and more than 543 constituencies in India, each with numerous polling stations.

In addition, the EVMs are manufactured by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as Bharat Electronics Limited, which are considered national assets. These PSUs are not owned by individuals or companies with vested interests but by the government. Therefore, the claim that EVMs could be manufactured by cronies is unfounded.

The argument that EVMs can be tampered with remotely or on a mass scale is further dispelled by the presence of rigorous security protocols. For instance, the entire polling process is carefully monitored, and a round-the-clock video surveillance system is in place. Moreover, the results are double-checked and verified by a panel of observers, including political parties and independent stakeholders.

Controversial Statements and Lapses in Reasoning

Some opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, have made controversial statements suggesting they have the ability to hack EVMs. Kejriwal has publicly claimed to have knowledge of at least 10 ways to hack EVMs, but these claims lack concrete evidence and are often accompanied by inconsistent timelines and inconsistent usage of the technology.

More broadly, the argument that EVMs must be tampered with because the BJP has won elections in certain states with fewer voters is flawed. The results in states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where the BJP won more votes, suggest the system functions as intended. Similarly, the results in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chattisgarh, where Congress performed well, do not support claims of widespread tampering.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding EVM tampering represents a complex interplay of political motivations and technical realities. While the opposition parties in India have a vested interest in questioning the validity of EVMs, the evidence and security measures in place suggest a high degree of trustworthiness. Continuous scrutiny and transparency, coupled with robust security protocols, make it highly improbable that EVMs have been tampered with on a large scale. As such, it is important to evaluate claims based on facts and evidence rather than political rhetoric.